Written By: Yashaswi Kochar
Noopur Chokshi, hair & makeup artist, says, “This year, we saw a shift away from very stiff, heavily sprayed hairstyles. Noopur Chokshi, hair & makeup artist, says, “This year, accessories played a much bigger role. Arsheen Mansuri, a celebrity hair and makeup artist, says, “When choosing a hairstyle for Navratri, I usually look at the outfit first.
Nine nights of Navratri call for nine stunning looks, and the right hairstyle can take your festive outfit up a notch. From gajras paired with jhumkas and colourful parandis to sleek buns and statement braids, there are plenty of ways to give you a festive makeover. Whether you’re going for a traditional look or adding a contemporary twist, these Navratri hairstyles had revellers sorted for all nine nights of garba. People wanted their hair to look dressed up, but they still wanted it to feel like them. Textured braids, sleek low buns, sleek ponytails and half-up hairstyles were big this Navratri. ‘Parandis, mirror stickers & colourful threads stole the spotlight’ People opted for hairstyles that are relatively clean and let accessories do the talking. The overall vibe is polished but still fun and dance-friendly, shares hairstylist Aatmi Shah. Delicate hair chains, maang tikka -inspired jewellery and boho parandis are trending, instantly elevating even the simplest braid or bun. You can also add threads, small ghungrus or any small elements from your outfit. A simple braid with a beautiful paranda or a bun with a fresh gajra can actually make more of a statement than a very complicated hairstyle. If the outfit is heavy, I prefer keeping the hair sleek and simple. With a simpler outfit, you can go a little bolder with a statement maang tikka or jewellery. She adds, “If you prefer to keep your hair open, take small sections from both sides of the front, make simple braids and join them at the back. You can add mirror stickers or colourful threads to make it look more festive without spending too much time. ‘Don’t try to fight the frizz too hard’
What experts say: 1.Braids and buns are definitely having a moment, but I wouldn’t say open hair is going anywhere. I think the trend this year was less about following one particular hairstyle and more about making the hair work with the entire look -Noopur Chokshi, hair & makeup artist 2. If you don’t have time to wash your hair before garba, dry shampoo is a practical option to absorb excess oil from the scalp. You can then go for a simple sleek ponytail or bun and add something festive like a maang tikka or gajra . One of the biggest mistakes is trying to fight sweat and frizz. Arsheen suggests ways to deal with the frizz, “Start with properly prepped, completely dry hair and use a lightweight anti-frizz or styling product before you begin. For garba, I’d also recommend keeping the hair off the face and securing flyaways with a light layer of hairspray. Noopur adds, “Keep a few U-pins and a small anti-frizz product in your bag for emergencies. And honestly, a little texture and a few flyaways after hours of dancing are part of the garba look. With a traditional chaniya choli , a beautiful braid or bun with a gajra can look stunning. With a more contemporary outfit, I’d probably do textured waves or a half updo. Accessories are the easiest way to make a simple hairstyle feel instantly festive. A colourful paranda woven into a braid, a gajra around a bun, or even a few statement clips can completely change the look. I’d pick one hero accessory rather than adding everything at once. Let it complement the outfit instead of competing with it. -Aatmi Shah, a hairstylist You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test Get the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.